Surgery

Surgery is usually categorized as being major or minor. As a general rule, a major surgery is any surgery in which the patient must be put under general anesthesia and given respiratory assistance because he or she cannot breathe independently. In addition, major surgery usually carries some degree of risk to the patient's life, or the potential for severe disability if something goes wrong during the surgery.

Minor surgery, such as minimally invasive surgery, is any type of surgery which requires less invasive techniques than those used in traditional surgery. A classic example is laparoscopic surgery, a type of surgery which is performed with the use of keyhole incisions and special instruments, allowing a surgeon to work without creating a large incision. The practice of minimally invasive surgery has grown radically in popularity, since it has a number of advantages over conventional surgery which makes it appealing.

Physicians providing care may or may not be employees of Palisades Medical Center. — they may be independent contractors. Always ask physicians to identify themselves and whether they are employed by the hospital.